11/26 – 12/31
Sparklefest
A five-week celebration of the holiday season including HSBA events and cultural activities happening in our member businesses.
12/04
14th Annual Everyone Loves Latkes
2pm – 3pm on Brattle Plaza
Free Hanukkah Tasting Event with latkes, hot cider and Klezmer music.
12/07
4th Annual Ben Abercrombie Day
8am – 4am at El Jefe’s Taqueria
100% of all sales go to support Ben Abercrombie ’21 Fund
12/10 – 12/12
Shopover Weekend
Extensive holiday newsletter highlighting cultural activities and dining/shopping promotions.
12/11
Let Hope Ring: Holidays in Harvard Square Kickoff
11am – 2:30pm at the Longfellow House
Presented by the HSBA, Lincoln Institute of Land Policy and Longfellow House – Washington’s Headquarters National Historic Site and the Cambridge Office for Tourism present a holiday celebration including carolers, crafting and more outdoor fun.
Giving Tree Kickoff Celebration
3pm – 4pm on Brattle Plaza
Unveiling of Holiday Giving Tree where hats, gloves, socks, mittens, t-shirts, scarves and candy will be placed under the tree for those in need until mid-January. The St. Paul’s Choir School will be performing joyous hymns and songs.
12/11 – 12/23
Sacred Spaces and Good Works: Harvard Square Church Videos and Bell Ringing
In 2020, the HSBA produced a series of 13 videos highlighting our faith-based community and the historically significant buildings that house them. We will be re-releasing these videos, one per day for 13 days. On 12/11 and 12/23 to open and close this event, we are asking the churches to ring their bells at 3pm.
December 11th 1632 The First Parish in Cambridge, UU
December 12th 1633 First Church in Cambridge, Congregational
December 13th 1744 Memorial Church of Harvard University
December 14th 1759 Christ Church
December 15th 1844 Old Cambridge Baptist Church
December 16th 1870 The Society of Saint John the Evangelist
December 17th 1873 St. Paul Parish
December 18th 1901 Swedenborg Chapel
December 19th 1928 University Lutheran Church
December 20th 1930 First Church of Christ, Scientist, Cambridge
December 21st 1941 Harvard-Epworth United Methodist Church
December 22nd 1961 Holy Trinity Armenian Church
December 23rd 2003 Outdoor Church
12/11 – 1/02
Holiday Poetry Stroll
Stop by 15+ locations in the Square on a self-guided tour featuring poems by some of Cambridge’s renowned poets. Presented by the HSBA, Lincoln Institute of Land Policy and Longfellow House – Washington’s Headquarters National Historic Site and the Cambridge Office for Tourism.
12/12
Jingle Ride Visits the Square
Approximately 11:30am on Brattle Plaza
The HSBA welcomes dozens of bike riders from Ciclismo Classico for hot chocolate, cookies and a sing-a-long as they stop by the Square as part of their 22 mile bike ride as they raise funds for Horizons for Homeless Children.
12/18
Tree Dedication to Priscilla Johnson McMillan
11:30am outside of Hillside Cleaners
Priscilla was an author, historian and our office mate and friend. Sadly, Priscilla passed on July 7th. We will be dedicating a newly planted treat in her honor. Reminisces, songs and Tasty Burgers for all.
12/18
Santa Claus Jazz Band Performance
1pm – 3pm on Brattle Plaza
The Santa Claus Jazz Band will be performing Holiday classics and the HSBA will be handing out hot chocolate and treats.
12/26
Kwanza Display
Details forthcoming
12/31
New Year’s Eve Promotions
Newsletter detailing all of the activities and parties being hosted in the Square.